Rebel Rock Riddim – Nolanding Music And Kushface Records

By 2014, Nolanding Music and Kushface Records had this Rebel Rock cut sitting comfortably in the run of roots-minded juggling that was still holding weight in the dancehall-to-reggae space. The rhythm has a sturdy, no-frills feel, the kind that leaves room for voices to do the work, and Nesbeth’s “Ole Gangalee” is the tune that immediately grabs you with its direct, street-level energy. Exco Levi’s “World Wide” leans more conscious and measured, while Delly Ranx brings a rougher edge on “One More Dead, ” keeping the set from settling into one mood for too long. Capital D’s “Lion” and Sheeni’s “Bye Bye” help round out an eight-track spread that also includes the instrumental version, so you get the riddim in full. Coming out in August 2014, it feels like a snapshot of that period when roots reggae producers were still keeping the juggling format alive with clean, focused writing.